WNCL 2023-24: Meg Lanning makes successful return to cricket with a fifty for Victoria

Meg Lanning has made a much-awaited return with a brisk half-century for Victoria against Western Australia in the WNCL 2023-24 (Women's National Cricket League) at the Western Australian Cricket Association in Perth on September 26. The Australian captain returned to professional cricket after a six-month-long hiatus. 

She has not played a game since the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League in India in March 2023. The 31-year-old has also missed the women's Ashes series due to an undisclosed medical issue.

The 31-year-old scored 50 off 47 deliveries before falling one ball later, smashing Zoe Britcliffe onto her stumps while she attempted a late cut behind point.

Lanning's half-century puts Victoria at 176 in 47.2 overs

Speaking of the game, West Australia won the toss and invited Victoria to bat first. Victoria got off to the worst possible start as they lost opener Annabel Sutherland for just one run. However, Sophie Reid and Meg Lanning managed to create a crucial partnership. Reid scored a 61-ball 32 runs while Lanning scored 51 runs. 

Apart from Reid and Lanning, Ella Hayward also provided a significant contribution, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 72 deliveries. Ellyse Perry made just eight runs on her comeback from a knee injury. Meanwhile, Australian star Georgia Wareham fell for just one run.

Zoe Britcliffe and Chloe Ainsworth were instrumental as West Australia bundled out Victoria for a below-par score of 176 in 47.2 overs. Britcliffe and Ainsworth finished with excellent figures of 3/25 and 3/27, respectively. Apart from them, Lilly Mills picked up two crucial wickets while Alana King made one scalp.